WVOC News

Police Work on More Five Points Safety

Columbia Police Ruben Santiago says the police department will staff the Five Points area with anywhere from one dozen to 20 officers this weekend.

But the chief says it will take more than police efforts to restore people's confidence that the popular entertainment district is safe.

Santiago says he's also asking for more lighting in the area. And tree limbs and bushes are being trimmed.

Some 200 surveillance cameras already capture what goes on in the district, and the chief says he'd like to have more, but that depends on coming up with funding.

The chief's comments follow the random shooting earlier this month that left 18-year-old University of South Carolina student Martha Childress paralyzed as she waited for a taxi near the Five Points fountain.

Police say they'll monitor traffic patterns this weekend so they can determine the best routes for USC shuttles to bring students to and from Five Points.